Stakeholders continue to await official communication from City & Guilds regarding its recent privatisation deal, with retired senior staff expressing frustration over the ongoing information vacuum.
Communication Breakdown at City & Guilds
A group of former senior employees from the vocational education organisation met with chair of trustees Ann Limb and chief executive Kirstie Donnelly on 2 December last year. The purpose was to seek clarity about the sale, following concerns that numerous stakeholders, including pensioners, had received no formal notification about the transaction.
During the meeting, Limb reportedly apologised for what she termed an "oversight" and committed to distributing a communication to address the information gap. However, weeks have passed without any such update materialising, leaving former staff and other interested parties in continued uncertainty.
Broader Context of the Sale
The privatisation of City & Guilds has attracted scrutiny, with questions raised about transparency and the distribution of financial benefits from the deal. The organisation, which has historically focused on skills development and qualifications, now faces criticism over how it has managed stakeholder relations during this significant transition.
The lack of communication has particularly affected retired staff who maintain connections to the organisation and have legitimate interests in understanding how the sale might impact legacy arrangements and the institution's future direction.
Parallel Commentary in Letters Section
Meanwhile, the Guardian's letters section featured additional commentary on various political and cultural matters. One correspondent humorously diagnosed a "Tom Jones syndrome" for individuals who persistently quote song lyrics during serious conversations, referencing hits like Delilah and Green, Green Grass of Home.
Political discussions included criticism of Donald Trump's remarks about NATO troops in Afghanistan, with one writer noting the irony given Trump's own military service history. Another letter thanked Suella Braverman for potentially making Reform UK "less electable" through her recent political move, while a further comment playfully suggested Conservative defectors represented "all your egos in one basket."
Ongoing Stakeholder Concerns
For City & Guilds stakeholders, however, the primary concern remains the organisation's failure to fulfil its communication promise. The continued silence raises questions about governance and accountability during periods of institutional change, particularly when such changes affect those with long-standing connections to the organisation.
As the wait for information extends, former staff and other stakeholders are left to wonder when, or if, they will receive the promised update about the privatisation that has reshaped this established educational institution.
